Flirting with the Single Dad - Atlas

The Single Dads of Seattle #9

by Whitley Cox, Matti Kirsch (Narrator), Ella Rifka (Narrator)

Atlas Stark, alleinerziehender Vater aus Seattle, ist am Limit. Als Witwer muss er sich nicht nur um seine kleine Tochter kümmern, sondern er nimmt auch noch das Baby seiner Cousine bei sich auf. Gleichzeitig ist er Partner in einer Anwaltskanzlei. Als dann seine Tochter immer eifersüchtiger auf das Baby wird, sucht Atlas Hilfe bei einer Kindertherapeutin. Er hat jedoch nicht damit gerechnet, dass die Therapeutin eine blonde und attraktive Traumfrau ist. Dumm nur, dass sie sich von der ersten Minute an streiten. Als er dann auch noch Textnachrichten einer unbekannten Frau erhält wird sein Leben immer turbulenter.

Kunsttherapeutin Tessa Copelands Leben war noch nie einfach. Mit ihrer kranken Mutter war sie gezwungen, schneller als die meisten erwachsen zu werden. Als ihr Verlobter sie verlässt und auch ihren Hund mitnimmt, ist ihre Geduld am Ende. Voller Wut schreibt sie der Affäre ihres Ex-Verlobten Nachrichten und lässt ihren Gefühlen freien Lauf. Doch dann stellt sich heraus, dass Tessa an eine falsch Nummer schreibt. Und dann ist da auch noch dieser nervige Vater einer ihrer Patientinnen, der dauernd an ihren Therapiemethoden zweifelt...

Willkommen in Seattle, der Heimat der Single Dads of Seattle! Zehn attraktive alleinerziehende Väter, die jeden Samstagabend Poker spielen, sich gegenseitig helfen und zuhören, ihre Kinder über alles lieben und vor allem eines eines Tages wieder die große Liebe zu finden. Dies ist Atlas Geschichte.

Alle Titel der Reihe Single Dads of Seattle können unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

Audible Audio

First published April 16, 2020

About the author

A Canadian West Coast baby born and raised, Whitley is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have two beautiful daughters and a fluffy dog. She spends her days making food that gets thrown on the floor, vacuuming Cheerios out from under the couch and making sure that the dog food doesn't end up in the air conditioner. But when the kids are at school and it's not quite wine o'clock, Whitley sits down, avoids the pile of laundry on the couch, and writes.

A lover of all things decadent; wine, cheese, chocolate and spicy erotic romance, Whitley brings the humorous side of sex, the ridiculous side of relationships and the suspense of everyday life into her stories. With single dads, firefighters, Navy SEALs, mommy wars, body issues, threesomes, bondage and role-playing, Whitley’s books have all the funny and fabulously filthy words you could hope for.

For all foreign translation rights and audiobook rights inquiries please contact literary agent Ena Burnette with SBR Media: ena@sbrmedia.com

Reviews

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a widower and a father and caretaker of two young girls, Atlas has closed off his heart and survives each day with just the love of his girls. But with one wrong number text, Atlas embarks on a relationship with a woman who epitomizes fire and passion. With each and every text the two become significant in each other's lives. What happens when the identities they kept hidden become known? Will they both learn to love again or will the fantasy and connection only be in their minds? I cannot say enough praise for this entire series. With each and every addition the reader becomes more invested in all of these men and I wil be very sad when the series ends. Another fabulous read from Whitley Cox!!

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Atlas and Tessa!
When I think this series can't get any better I'm again proved wrong. Tessa and Atlas's story will consume you. I loved Atlas he was such a good dad but overwhelmed. The way the author writes you feel what each character is going through. I'm such a fan of her writing style. Tessa was an amazing character and my heart broke for everything she went through with her crazy ex. I wanted to throat punch him so bad lol. I need a group of friends like these! All in all the was a great story!

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, pain, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Hired by the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle #1)
Dancing with the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle #2)
Saved by the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle #3)
Living with the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle #4)
Christmas with the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle Book 5)
New Year's with the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle #6)
Valentine's with the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle Book 7)
Neighbors with the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle #8)


This is Tessa and Atlas’s story. Atlas meets Tessa when he needs help with his daughter. She is an art therapist and the person that was recommended to him for his daughter. He thinks she is not doing a good job as things are not getting better but soon realizes she is just what his daughter needs. He also realizes she just might be what he needs to help him over the past and to move forward with a future. Lots of helpful friends in this story steering them together. Can they really have a future? Or is he just not ready to move on from the past?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlas is a man who is juggling a lot of balls in the air and he is beginning to feel like he is not handling any of them very well. Still dealing with the loss of his wife he is now a single father to their daughter and if that isn’t enough, he is looking after his cousin’s infant daughter as well. When you combine that with trying to not only put in the necessary hours at work but be considered for a promotion he doesn’t have the time or energy for anything else but receiving a text that wasn’t intended for him might just be the best thing that has ever happened to him.

Having her long term boyfriend leave her for another woman is bad enough but when he takes Tessa’s dog that is adding insult to injury. Sending a text to the wrong person leads to a fun and flirty relationship with someone she doesn’t know but when she finds out who he is and how they are connected things are about to get complicated.

This is an emotional story about two people who are trying to handle the hurdles that life continues to throw at them and they may just find the love and support that they both need in each other.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flirting with the Single has to be the most emotional book so far in the 'The Single Dads of Seattle' series! 9 books in you wouldn't think that author Whitley Cox could come up with such great story lines again and again. But she does. My only hope as we move on to the last book in the series Liams story that somehow the next generation get their HEA wouldn't that be something!

If you have been following this series; although all books can be read as stand alone's you always knew that Atlas's story was going to be the most heartbreaking, emotionally gut wrenching book; one of the three people in this series that have lost spouses Atlas's story was always going to be the most difficult I think to have written; his wife Samantha was the love of his life - his one and only; his first and last everything so when she passed away from Cancer Atlas is not only left to bring up his 3 year old daughter but he is also caring for his cousins 6 month old little girl as well while she is in rehab.

But what I wasn't expecting was Tessa and her own heartbreaking story not through the loss of a partner (although her douche bag of a fiancé has just dumped her! more of him in the book) but what is happening in her own family. I cried for this strong brave woman; Tessa is a wonderful woman he doesn't deserve the crap that live is throwing out her and when her ex decides to take her beloved dog Forest when he leaves she is set on cause to do all that she can to get him back even engage lawyers! This side part of the story just gave you such am in-depth in to the beautiful soul that Tessa is and makes you continue to fall in love with her. Such a beautiful soul for a beautiful woman!

Atlas is struggling raising two small children and when his daughter Aria start's having behaviour problems with Cecily the tiny 6 month that has come into their lives he turns to Tessa who is child therapist but uses art to help children.

The attraction between the two is strong but both are dealing with different sorts of tragedy in their lives and both having a difficult time truly opening up to each with their fears frightened that they will hurt the other.

But two broken hearts can't mend unless they face their fears - hopefully together

*I received this ARC for an honest review* And my honest review is you would be mad if you don't read this book and the whole series!

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for an emotional yet entertaining read look no further than Flirting with the Single Dad book 9 in The Single Dads of Seattle. Each of these books can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone’s although I’m sure one you have met one of these poker playing single dads you will be itching for more, you will want to meet and understand everyone of these mysterious dads.
Atlas is the grumpy dad in this bunch and it’s going to take a very special lady to have him lifting the cloud he lives under, he has a lot on his plate because over the past few years he became a dad to a beautiful little girl, he lost his wife and he took in his cousins newborn baby girl and to make matters worse his normally well behaved little girl has turned into a monster when it comes to the new baby in the home.
Tessa has just found out her live in lover of years has left her for another woman taking with him not only her dignity but also the dog she adopted and adores. Since she can’t reach him she decides to sent a text to the new girlfriend telling him exactly what she thinks only problem is the number she has does not belong to the girlfriend.
One text leads to a friendship between two strangers, they find comfort in each other but little do they know they are destined to meet when Atlas decides his daughter needs some professional help............
This is a book that ticked all my boxes, I laughed at the classic one liners only a child can deliver, I smiled, I swooned and I shed a tear as Atlas and Tessa got to know each other. Whitley Cox has an amazing way with words, she draws you in and has you feeling like you are catching up with friends with each book in this series. I highly recommend this series to all lovers of romance and all romantic comedy lovers. Looking forward to the next in this amazing series.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review Flirting With The Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle #9) by Whitley Cox
 
I feel like a bit of a broken record with this series. I find myself with a new favourite whenever I read a new book in this series. There is just something about a series based around ten single dads that one by one find love and happiness that really resonates with me.

I couldn’t wait to dive in to Atlas Stark and Tessa Copland’s story and it was everything I was hoping it would be. Yet I also didn’t want to finish this book knowing that this is the second to last book in the series. The Single Dads of Seattle have fast become one of my favourite series. They love their families and the friends who have become brothers as they meet each Saturday for their poker night.

Atlas is a widower struggling to raise his three and a half year old daughter Aria as well as his cousin’s baby daughter Cecily. Aria is having issues and acting out, particularly against Cecily and Atlas is struggling. When a fellow single dad suggests he take Aria to an art therapist he is sceptical but desperate so signs her up. Initially there is something about Tessa that aggravates him, perhaps it is the attraction that he is doing his best to ignore.

There is also another connection that I will not mention, it was one of the things I really enjoyed about their relationship. There were times that my heart broke for all of the main characters.

One of the things I love with this series is that we often see other members of the club pop up throughout the story; the camaraderie and friendships amongst the men and the women they fall in love with is something that I love to catch up on. Truthfully I will really miss these people when the series ends.

My heart just about broke for Aria as she struggled to come to terms with her mother’s death and the sudden arrival of Cecily in their house. There were times when I laughed and times where I wanted to cry but I was riveted from the first to the last chapter.

There was something special about the relationship that developed between Atlas and Tessa; the chemistry between Atlas and Tessa is intense but oh so hot and steamy.
Perhaps it was the connection that was obvious between them, or the fact that their relationship developed with care and consideration of one another’s pasts, l’m not sure, but this story really got to me on a number of levels.

Flirting With The Single Dad was an entertaining book with amazing characters who you cannot help but become invested in.

[Kelly Mentzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love what Whitley Cox has done with this series and I have waited for this book about grumpy single dad, Atlas. He was the most mysterious of all the Seattle single dads and this book peels away at the layers of Atlas's emotional barriers until we really see the true man and his true heart.

Atlas may be grumpy, but really he is just trying to get through each and every day. In the past few years, he has had a daughter, his wife died from the flu, he is taking care of his cousins newborn girl, he has turned into a germaphobic, he is up for name partner in his law firm and he can't seem to find a full time nanny to help him. If all that was going on in my life, I would be grumpy too. It's been a long time since Atlas has smiled or felt anything but sorrow. That all changed one night when a weird text message shows up on his phone.

Tessa had a horrible day! She finds out the man she has wasted 5 years of her life with has a girlfriend on the side and he actually stole her dog and moved out of her apartment. Since he has ghosted her, she decided to text the girlfriend and give her a piece of her mind. However, Tessa's dyslexia led her to mix up the phone number and send the text to a stranger instead.

One mistaken text led to these two individual's starting a phone conversation and friendship. They find comfort in each other when they both just needed someone to help them each get through the day. They never gave their true name, so it became an anonymous friendship. The funny thing is that these two really knew each other outside of this phone friendship because Tessa is the therapist helping Atlas's daughter deal with some emotional baggage. It's a great twist when they figure out that they are the two people from the text mishap. The story really blossoms as their relationship grows and they work together to get Tessa's dog back.

Whitley Cox is a great writer and she has come up with these amazing characters in this series that I wish were my real life friends. She adds so many realistic life situations to the story and she can really make these dads sexy! Read this series, but don't start with this book. Go and order the ENTIRE series and start with book one. You will be so glad you did. I hope you enjoy them all as much as I have. Bring on Liam's book!!!!!!

[Ana Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't know how long I was waiting for this book... It looked like it was so long but actually, it wasn't. A couple of months but too long... Lol
This is how I feel every time an author that I really adore has books coming out.
The more I read, the more I want and I can't get enough.
Each book is even better than the latest and I'm hooked.
Whitley Cox is the author that I'm talking about and her writing is super sweet, intense, and hot. But don't let the sweet lady fool you because she creates some intense stories with complex characters and problems.
Flirting with the Single Dad is her latest release and it's the ninth book from the Single Dads Of Seattke6seties. A series that you can't miss and must read all books it's an order.
Just trust me on this.
This new book explores the lives of Atlas and Tessa.
Atlas is a lawyer and a single parent. He lost his wife and was left to raise his daughter and also his infant cousin alone. He's a very reserved man because he's still in pain. When he started to play cards with other single parents he was supposed to open up, but that's hard for him. Shen his daughter starts to act up and misbehaving he went with her to see a therapist and...
Tessa is an art therapist that loves her job. She needed to grow up fast due to her mother's illness but that shaped her to became an amazing person and to not let her baggage interfere.
The thing is when her fiancé cheats on her she almost lost it. Until she meets Atlas...
So freaking good. So freaking intense... So everything.
Superb plot, very well written, super engaging, and beautiful.
Some chapters were hard to read due to the emotional baggage they had, and others were hot... Oh yeah... Some hot stuff in there too.
There were parts of the story that I wanted to get inside the book and slap someone... Jeez... Why can't you see what's right in front of you? Stubborn arse.
But then there were others that I was crying and shaking from its intensity.
Let's talk about emotional...
Once I started this book, I didn't want it to end or stop, but work got in the way and that delayed my reading.
I was mad... Oh, so freaking mad but then, one night I devoured the rest.
Perfect, intense, passionate... This book was all that and some more.
Can't wait to read the next in the bunch...
That one will be... Oh boy...
Whitley... Woman... You rock. This book was perfect and you achieved greatness... Perfection.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. 

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flirting with the Single Dad
(The Single Dads of Seattle #8)
By Whitley Cox

Atlas and Tessa are officially my favorite couple.

Both of them have been through the wringer and are still standing although there are hours and minutes when there is a good chance they will fall.

Single Dad Zak suggested Tessa as the therapist Atlas needs to take 3 ½ year old Aria to. Not only is Aria dealing with losing her mother, she is now sharing what little time Atlas has to give with her baby cousin Cecily. When I say Atlas is a good man, I mean Atlas is an amazing man! Losing his wife, taking care of his daughter Aria and now taking custody of baby Cecily all while trying to make partner in his law firm, well let’s say he has the world on his shoulders and he needs help.

Tessa is beautiful, and loves to help people, most especially children but she has a lot on her shoulders as well. When her fiancé moves out and takes her dog, she is devastated. Not really because of the fiancé, I mean who wants to marry a cheater…. it’s Forrest their dog. The dog she spent her days with, the dog she walked the beach with the dog that gave her respite when life was too much.

You’d think they would get along, but both of them bump each other the wrong way, or maybe it’s the right way and they just don’t know it yet. So when a midnight text-fest goes to the wrong number (can you guess between who) allows them each to share more than they might have, so when Atlas finally figures out who his text friend is, it’s easy for them to begin what could be a good thing for both adults.

There is still a lot for these two to unravel though, so when her Ex refuses to give her back Forrest, on top of the fact Tessa is keeping some really important information from Atlas, well it makes for misunderstanding and miscommunication.

Will is all work out? I loved this story and this couple! You will too!

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Flirting with the Single Dad (The Single Dads of Seattle Book 9) by Whitley Cox was a good 5 star read.

Tessa is heartbroken, the man she thought would be her husband someday has left her for another woman and took her dog with him. She decides to send angry texts to the other woman not realizing it’s the wrong number.

Atlas’s phone starts to blow up with texts from someone who obviously has the wrong number. He decides to reach out and let her know. They end up chatting back and forth and becoming friends.

Tessa is a therapist that enjoys helping people. Atlas is a widowed dad struggling to raise two young children, his daughter is lashing out at the baby due to jealousy so he reaches out to a therapist for assistance.

What will happen when these two realize who each other are? WIll Tessa get her dog back? Can these two have a HEA?

Overall this was a great read. My emotions were all over the place. The characters were great.
There are twists and turns that add great elements to the story. This is one of my favorites so far in this great series. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.


I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we get Atlas Stark's story and are introduced to Tessa Copeland. Atlas has gone through a lot in the last 5 years. He lost his wife, he is having problems with his daughter and he adopted a relatives little girl. All this plus trying to make partner in the law firm he works at is a lot for a single guy to take in. So when one of the dad's recommends a art therapist who might help his daughter deal with all the changes that are happening in her short little life he is willing to give anything a try. One night though he gets a strange text from an unknown number. This person is ranting about the guys she just broke up with. He isn't sure what to make of all this but this person is the first one to not only make him smile be laugh in way to long. Tessa can't believe her now ex-fiance cheated on her not only that he took the one person in their relationship she truly loved. When she goes to text the woman he left her for her dyslexia messes things up and she text a complete stranger. In his own way he helps her thought the don't know a thing about one another. See she has a lot on her plate too. Being a therapist, losing her father, and her mother having early onset Alzheimer's, her fiance of 3 years cheated and left her for another woman. She isn't sure she can take much more then she meets Atlas. Things get even weirder when they realize she is the art therapist that was recommended for his daughter. Will this be something that can bring them closer together or will the things their both not saying drive a wedge between them that they can never come back from?

This is another amazing story in this series. It touches on a lot of difficult situations but the way the author shows it is so great. It does have some amazing ups and downs, I really want to tell you about. However I don't want to ruin the story for any other reader. I will say this book will take you on an emotional journey you didn't expect. But will have you feeling like you have made it with a true friend by the time it is over. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in the 'Single Dad's' series that I couldn't get enough of. I loved Atlas & although he's a strong confident lawyer he is struggling being a widow bringing up his young daughter & baby cousin. He gets a random text from somebody who is seriously unhappy that her fiance is cheating on her & reels off her anger he sends her a message back telling her she has the wrong number. Tessa is a bit embarrassed sends an apologetic reply they continue texting each other her explaining the reason behind the text & how her ex had stolen her dog & he promises to get it back for her. The next day he is meeting Tessa a therapist a friend recommended for his 3yr old daughter whos no behaving too well with things going on at home one being she lashes out at the baby for no reason. When he meets Tessa he thinks she is a hippie & not going to be able to help his daughter & acts all cold to her, Tessa notices this but doesn't say anything. They have been texting each other & even spoke on the phone but agreed no giving actual names or talk of anything personal & they start having feelings for each other but neither have any idea who the other person is & over time they have started with feelings for each other. Something has also changed between him & Tessa until eventually one night he gives up & goes to see her & they both give into the sexual chemistry going on they then both feel a bit guilty as they feel like they are cheating on their text buddies until something catches his eye a tattoo on her wrist. That night he is talking to her on the phone & asks is she has any tattoos she says yes & sends him a pic it's then that he realises that Tessa is his mystery woman & he has to tell her & hopes she is happy & still wants to be friends. When he tells her she is happy & they agree that they had some connection & continue to see each other for a while without his daughter knowing as she has made massive progress with Tessa & is like a different child but he is also protective of Tessa & determined to get her dog Forest back & make her ex Carlye pay. There are so may emotions going on that you really feel for the characters Tessa has been hurt by her ex & Atlas is hurting over the loss of his wife, then they find happiness together she has become part of his friends & all the other single dads like her & their partners have taken her into their group & there's lots of laughter, love with that also tears. It seems like just as things are going well between them parts if their past that they haven't shared threaten to tear them apart. I love that all of the dads & his friends help him to see what he could be losing & I can't wait for Liam's story.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so sad there's only one single dad left in the series now. But Liam and Richelle is definitely my most anticipated couple of the series, so I can't wait to read their story.

But onto Atlas and Tessa's story. Atlas is a widower who can't get over losing his wife and he couldn't cope having to be a single dad. He has to deal with his angry and emotional toddler and at the same time, he has to take care of his cousin's baby. He has yet to deal with losing his wife, now he has to deal with two kids. Because of that, he become really grumpy and broody, he doesn't even talk anymore. So the rest of the friends recommended him to send his daughter to a child therapist to deal with her emotions. (Side note: their interactions are so cute in this one, but it was emotional at the same time, I just love Aria) Seeing how Tessa's helping his daughter kind of give him insight on how to deal with his own grieving.

After her cheating fiance left her high and dry, he also stole her dog, work's the only thing that's constant in her life. But when she texted the wrong number, she found herself attracted to the guy she doesn't even know the name to. But at the same time, Tessa couldn't help but be attracted to Atlas the broody single dad. He help her go through a legal problem against her ex-fiance. How can she be attracted to two guys at once?

You know I've been loving this single dads series, this is no different!

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atlas is a single dad with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He wife passed from a common illness. The timing could not have been more on the nose for this story. His daughter Aria is having trouble coping with the loss as well, so she is seeing as therapist. That's where Tessa comes in.
Tessa hass her own baggage her long time boyfriend has a chicky on the side, if that's not bad enough he stole her dog. What a creep.
So Tessa decided to let his new girlfriend know just what a dog he is. Oops she texted the wrong number, darn that was good too.
So anonymously Atlas and Tessa becomes texting buddies with Atlas (anonymously). In real life Tessa does not think highly of Atlas. But peel those layers back unknowingly and you get a guy who is trying to doggy paddle in the middle of a raging ocean.
We do have some laughs
Some emotional break throughs
A little bit of good news
Some hanky panky
A family born from the ashes of pain, sorrow, illness and death .
This was another great read in the single dad series.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finding out that her fiance has been cheating on her for the past year, moved out without bothering to tell her, and has taken her dog, Forest, Tessa sends a scorching text message to his new squeeze. But she sends it to the wrong number. She and Atlas, known to each other as Marie and David, are texting back and forth, developing a little relationship of sorts without actually meeting. But, of course, they have actually met; they just haven't connected the dots yet. Atlas is an attorney, widower, single dad with a toddler daughter, Aria, and custody of his infant niece, Cecily. Aria needs more attention from her father than he can give right now, and begins acting up. He takes her to Tessa, a children's art therapist.

This book is well written, and so wonderful to read - not just a nice romance, but a believable story. The characters are real and flawed, people you'd want to be friends with. Atlas is not really the uptight stuffy guy he appears to be, but rather a kind and caring man, truly concerned about his children, as he works past his wife's death toward a life with Tessa. She's not as flighty as he makes her out to be; she's a daughter concerned with her mother's illness, worried for her own future health, and trying to get her dog back. They're so hot together, and have a great journey together. One of my favorite things about this series has been the friendship between these men, and the women they love. On to Liam!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Big Joe Rossi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atlas has a late night run in on a miss sent text message and becomes flirty with the sender. Shocking since he hasn't felt anything but pissed since his wife's death. Leaving him with his daughter and now his cousin's infant daughter. His daughter isn't taking it well and with a friend's recommendation, he takes her to see a hippy dippy art therapist.

Tessa is reeling after the betrayal of her ex, and he stole her dog. A miss sent text made her smile when the receiver of the text was funny and made her laugh. Now she is working and is thrown when the sexy but rude and arrogant father demeans her career and outfit.

Slowly Atlas is falling for the texter and the therapist, neither knowing they are one and the same. Once they do they decide to move forward with their relationship. There isn't much of any plot twist, the dog being the big one and that one played out making no sense what so ever.

Okay read, nothing great, would've liked more with the therapy, the mother, and the dog issue. Fell short IMO

[Maria S-M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review. Atlas is a quiet, grumpy man. His wife died a year and a half ago, leaving him to raise their then 2 year old daughter on his own. He then ends up caring for his cousin's infant daughter after an explosion kills the baby's father and puts the mother in the hospital, all while he is working towards becoming a named partner at his law firm. His daughter starts acting out and he brings her to see Tessa, an art therapist, who is working on her Doctoral dissertation and whose fiancee just ran off with another woman and stealing her dog. Sparks fly on this opposites attract romance. There are laughs, there are tears and there is plenty of steam in this newest addition to the Single Dads of Seattle series.

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Whitley weaves a web, I always find myself happy to be caught in. Flirting with the Single Dad is the ninth in the series and boy it’s a crier. I have followed this series from book one, and I have been itching to get my hands-on Atlas’ book, it was so worth the wait!

Losing the love of his life made Atlas broken, in pain and grieving. Left with the task of raising not only his own daughter but his cousin’s baby as well, Atlas is lost, angry and holding on by the skin of his teeth. Grumpy, sad and filled with sorrow, the first light of happiness that reaches him from outside his children is a miss sent text message. One that makes him smile for the first time since his wife died.

Tessa is strong independent woman, kind, smart and loving, but one that is lost in her own way. After finding out that the man she was with for five years has another girlfriend, she snapped. In a haze of passion, Tessa finds her ex’s “girlfriends” number and decides to put her in her place. A rant to end all rants. However, this message isn’t sent to who she thinks, it ends up with the smoking hot Atlas.

A text that was never meant to being them together forms a friendship that then becomes something so much deeper.

The one thing I love the most about Whitley Cox is how real the emotion is in her books. These are real things that could happen to people, the pain of losing a loved one and the vulnerability of letting someone in again. The fact that these books revolve around Dads is also something I really enjoy, they are loving a caring and will do anything for their children. Now I do recommend that you read this series in order to get the full effect, they are on KU and you won’t be disappointed.

Ms. Cox has saved the best for last and I can not WAIT to get my hands-on Liam's and his story!

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa finds out that the man that she's been with for five years has been cheating on her with another woman and he has taken her dog when he left. When she got upset she mixed up the number and her rant went to a stranger. Atlas was stunned when he received a text meant for someone else but once he got the person to understand their mix up they started talking. Tessa started to feel better texting her wrong number man about her troubles. She started seeing a new little girl for therapy and her father was worn from stress. Atlas was trying to be everything for his daughter and his niece but he felt like he was failing. Sparks flew between Atlas and Tessa every time they were together. After Tessa sends her mystery texter pic of her tattoo everything changes. Atlas knows as soon as he sees the tattoo that its Tessa he's been talking to. Will he finally make a move and take something he wants for a change? Can Tessa see that Atlas is the man for her?

This is an amazing book once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is have you laughing out loud at parts. The chemistry between them is scorching hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

You know the kneeling man holding up the world pose called Atlas?, pretty sure they modeled it after this guy. Our Atlas is now a single dad trying desperately to hold everything together for his two girls after losing his beloved wife. As a high-powered lawyer, single dad to two young girls and a widower, Atlas has his hands full. When his oldest daughter begins acting out against the intruder on their house, her new baby sister, Atlas can't handle it on his own any longer. He reluctantly calls in an "expert" to help his daughter uncover and deal with her resentment toward the baby. He didn't expect to fall for her therapist!

Tessa is having a bad month, or a few of them. After finding out her fiance has been cheating on her and stole her dog, she loses it and spews a serious of hate texts at his new lover. But a misplaced number causes her to instead text a random stranger, one equally in need of connection, even if he doesn't know it.

My heart broke for all the pain for both Atlas and Tessa. They both just radiate heartache and it is just consuming at times. Atlas has shut off his heart behind thick walls and he doesn't understand what it's doing to those around him. Tessa is just holding on through her mother's illness and her fiance's betrayal. I've never seen lawyers fight so vigorously over an animal but if ever a dog and his owner should be reunited it's Forest and Tessa. Her ex was the worst asshole ever and I was so happy to see the lawyers and friends ban together to take that tool down a few notches.Flirting with the Single Dad is heartbreaking but sexy and sweet with some funny and great friends thrown in.

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in the Single Dads of Seattle series and it is Atlas Stark’s story. Once again Ms. Cox has brought her A game with this one as readers come to know the man behind the grumpy exterior he portrays when in reality, like most people, he is just trying to get through the day. Atlas has not had an easy time of things. He lost his wife and was left caring for his daughter. He is taking care of his cousin’s newborn and is looking at becoming a partner at his law firm. Having all of these demands is not an easy juggle and to add icing to the cake, he is not easily able to find a nanny to help him. Is it any wonder he acts the way he does? Tessa is an independent woman but loses it when she realizes that the man, she spent the past five years with has another girlfriend on the side, took the dog, moved out of their apartment and has proceeded to ghost her. Not one to let things lie, when Tessa finds the girlfriends number, she decides to send a text to give her a piece of her mind. However, the text does not go to its intended recipient, instead it is sent accidentally to Atlas. Whitley Cox is a talented author with a panache for bringing out the human emotion and vulnerability in her characters that make reading her work a true pleasure. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them in order as the single dads make appearances in all of the books. This is one outstanding read and I eagerly am awaiting the tenth book which is Liam’s story! I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlas is a widower who has things going bonkers all over the place with his daughter, infant cousin left to him, and trying to make partner at his law firm. His daughter is seriously acting out, which has him bringing her to a therapist named Tessa Copland, who is beautiful, but seriously annoys him so much. Tessa hasn't had the easiest life, but she doesn't let it get her down until her love life goes south making her very distracted. Her newest client's father definitely isn't helping anything as he's totally a jerk to her, though he's a sexy jerk. She's forced to go to him for legal advice, and things really start hitting chaotic levels from there since they have some insane chemistry dogging them. Flirting with the Single Dad is another amazing read in The Single Dads of Seattle. It has heat, angst for days, and definitely had me laughing out loud more than once since I love those secondaries hard. So, to see how it all plays out, hit those one click buttons because I definitely HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

[Dimple · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know the kneeling man holding up the world pose called Atlas?, pretty sure they modeled it after this guy. Our Atlas is now a single dad trying desperately to hold everything together for his two girls after losing his beloved wife. As a high-powered lawyer, single dad to two young girls and a widower, Atlas has his hands full. When his oldest daughter begins acting out against the intruder on their house, her new baby sister, Atlas can't handle it on his own any longer. He reluctantly calls in an "expert" to help his daughter uncover and deal with her resentment toward the baby. He didn't expect to fall for her therapist!

Tessa is having a bad month, or a few of them. After finding out her fiance has been cheating on her and stole her dog, she loses it and spews a serious of hate texts at his new lover. But a misplaced number causes her to instead text a random stranger, one equally in need of connection, even if he doesn't know it.

My heart broke for all the pain for both Atlas and Tessa. They both just radiate heartache and it is just consuming at times. Atlas has shut off his heart behind thick walls and he doesn't understand what it's doing to those around him. Tessa is just holding on through her mother's illness and her fiance's betrayal. I've never seen lawyers fight so vigorously over an animal but if ever a dog and his owner should be reunited it's Forest and Tessa. Her ex was the worst asshole ever and I was so happy to see the lawyers and friends ban together to take that tool down a few notches.Flirting with the Single Dad is heartbreaking but sexy and sweet with some funny and great friends thrown in.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin? Wow, Atlas is complicated, angry, hurt, grieving for the love of his life, holding onto the last thread he has all while trying to raise his daughter Aria and his cousin's baby, Cecily. His hands are full with work, the kids and keeping his life and family together, well trying to. Tessa is amazing, she’s smart, sassy, fun and a strong woman, that is until her jerk of an ex takes something from her that means the world and won’t give it back and she goes into a tailspin, texting who she thinks is her ex’s new girlfriend only to find out it isn’t.

When Atlas receives a text meant for someone else, he’s amused at first, reading her rants, and then letting this person know, hey you’ve got the wrong person. Something that starts out as a mistake turns into something Atlas looks forward to every day. Tessa has so much on her plate and doing what she loves is what will get her through all of this and when her newest client shows up with his daughter for art therapy to help with her acting out, neither of them saw what was coming. Their story was so touching, emotional for both characters, the attraction was explosive and for Atlas, the thought of loving someone other than his wife was unheard of, that is until he met Tessa. Amazing read, couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for Liam’s book!

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Awesome Book

This book was absolutely worth the read. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down.

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continue to love this series so much! This installment focuses on Atlas and his story from single dad to HEA. After the death of his wife and taking on the role as caretaker for his cousin’s child, Atlas is burning both ends of the candle and is drowning in a combination of grief and being overwhelmed. He hires Tessa to help his daughter adjust to all the change going on in her life, and it ends up being the best decision he’s ever made. Tessa just went through a terrible breakup that she didn’t even see coming, and accidentally texts the wrong number – who happens to be Atlas! Once the pair finds out who the other is in relation to the texts, it’s full speed ahead to get to know each other and take things slow. I love that Atlas helps Tessa with the aftermath of her breakup and realizes his feelings and how normal they are after being widowed. Whitley throws some twists and turns into the storyline that made it that much more enjoyable and in the end it really helped with character development and understanding. Loved this read – and I’m SO EXCITED for the next installment that involves the infamous Liam and Richelle!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlas with the World on His Shoulders.

I've been looking forward to Atlas' story, and it comes through brilliantly. Atlas Stark is a high powered attorney with two little girls to raise. Alone. He's been a widower for two years and was madly in love with his wife. He's been a member of the Seattle Single Dad's Club for a while. Those men's support has helped Atlas reenter the world of the living. Part of this support comes in the form of Tessa Copeland, an art therapist recommended to Atlas by Zac, a fellow single Dad. Atlas needs help for Aria, his threenager, suffering through the loss of her mom and the addition of Cecily, his cousin's baby, to the family. When Atlas meets Tessa there's attraction at first sight. But they fight admitting it, to anyone. It doesn't help they've both started emotional involvement with other people through electronic communication, in a comedic twist. But despite Atlas's skepticism about Tessa's methods, and some hilarious hijinks by Aria, the chemistry between Tessa and Atlas can't be avoided. But Tessa has other stresses in her life. Her mother, her only living parent, is ill and Tessa is afraid her condition is genetic. She's also prepared her doctorate thesis and must stand to defend it soon. But to top it off, she's been dumped by her 5 year boyfriend (including 3 years as her fiancee) and he's stolen her dog, Forest. He refuses to return Forest. A true jerk and douche, Carlyle, doesn't even like Forest, and the feeling is mutual. Atlas empathizes with Tessa's plight. He enjoins his fellow single dads to help confront Carlyle. The negotiation session, including Single Dad's doing what they do best, is a hoot. But the question remains, can Tessa and Atlas overcome their pasts and secrets and become a family? Dealing with current day issues and emotional upheaval this story deals with resolution and reconciliation in the very best way.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

De-Café Review of Flirting with the Single Dad [The Single Dads of Seattle Book 9] by Whitley Cox
I read this as a stand alone in the series and will be making the effort to go back and read the previous offerings.
Atlas Stark- Overwhelmed Single Dad and lawyer. Lost his first love and wife to cancer. 3.5-year-old daughter and 10-month-old adopted daughter.
Tessa Copland- art therapist. Recently boke up with a dog stealing cheater of a fiancé.
This story is amazing! I loved wit and charm of Atlas & Tessa's story. You can tell because of life Atlas is overwhelmed and closed off to most everything but his two daughters, Aria & the baby he adopted from his cousin baby CeCe.
Atlas’ daughter Aria who is 3 and half starts acting out against baby CeCe his fellow single dads recommend a child therapist and fate opens the door with Tessa. Tessa comes with her own baggage, an ex-fiancé who stole her dog. This story is fun and quirky right from page one and could not put it down. I always love instant attraction and chemistry between the characters. The banter between the characters is entertaining and really helps move the story. I really enjoyed the quirkiness of Tess played against Atlas’ Type A personality.
This was a great introduction for me to the world of Whitley Cox. I can not wait to see what she writes next. This was a 4/5 read for me. It was short and I got my HEA. Some of Tess’ quirks were a little hard for me to get past. I am not much of a healing crystal type of person, but it did play well with Atlas, just felt over the top.

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night with Books

One of the best single parent books.

Flirting with the Single Dad is my first read by Whitney Cox and it pulled me in immediately. Atlas and Tessa pulled me in with their banter and how opposite they were from one another.

Atlas is a single dad just trying to find his footing raising his three-year-old daughter and his cousin's baby. He recently lost his wife so going through the motions and trying to keep his daughter from hurting the baby has taken its toll on him. Insert Tessa who is also going through drama and you have the perfect story.

Tessa is going through a terrible breakup and is not only focused on her job but also getting her dog back. Tessa has had it rough over the past few years so when Atlas enters her life she tries to sort through it all. Although they did not meet like they originally thought, they could not be more perfect for each other.

Flirting with the Single Dad is just what I expected it to be. There was the right amount of drama, angst, romance, and chemistry. Atlas pulled me in with his need to fix everything as well as his need to be a better father.

This book was everything I expected and more. Single parent tropes are one of my all-time favorites, so finding another author that writes within this trope just makes me gitty. I cannot wait to read her backlist and what she has coming up.

I highly recommend this series!!

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review***